“Jesus was a hippie who got good press.” I’m not sure who coined this phrase, but it captures what a lot of people think about who Jesus was—a long-haired, barefoot guy who walked around talking about love, and who someone wrote a book about. In the first part of Hebrews 3, the writer invites those “who share in a heavenly calling” to “consider Jesus”.

A heavenly calling

If you are a follower of Jesus that calling is heavenly. It originated from God—not from your own conscience or creativity, but from God. He chose you before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). God who, as the hymn writer, Walter C. Smith, says is

Immortal
Invisible
The only One who is wise
Blinding light
Most blessed
Most glorious
The Ancient of Days
Almighty
Victorious
Worthy of praise

And that’s just the first verse. Your calling is heavenly—it came from heaven, it is the hope that you have in Christ in this life, it is the home you will go to when your time here is done. Praise Jesus!

Then when on earth I breathe no more
The prayer oft mixed with tears before
I’ll sing upon a happier shore
Thy will be done.
—Charlotte Elliott

The writer of Hebrews tells those of us who have this calling to consider Jesus—we are to consider him more than just a great moral teacher, more than just a historical figure, more than a prophet or priest.

• He is the apostle and high priest of what we believe.
• He is worthy of more glory than Moses.
• He is the builder of all things.
• He is the faithful Son.

Greater than Moses

Undeniably, Moses was a great man. Exodus 33:11 says, “the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” Wow! But God chose Moses to be His servant by his grace, and the purpose of Moses’ life was not to become a great man, but to give testimony to Jesus. Just like Jesus, Moses

• Was born under the threat of death but protected by God.
• Was raised in splendor, but he came down from his position of honor to be with his people.
• Delivered his people from slavery and led them to the Promised Land.

But unlike Jesus, Moses was a sinful man. He had great need for the savior he was pointing to—just like we do. This is why the writer of Hebrews tells us to “consider Jesus”.

Your Turn

• Who is Jesus to you? Has this view changed over the course of your life? Why does what you believe about him matter?
• Have you ever thought of your calling to relationship with Jesus as heavenly? How does this encourage you?